Cloud over two Everest runners

THE Everest campaigns of English and Invincible Star are under an injury cloud with both mares reported to be suffering foreleg lameness issues.

Racing NSW stewards revealed late yesterday that English was found to be mildly lame in the near foreleg after a lacklustre barrier trial effort at Randwick’s Kensington meeting yesterday.

And even more concerning was Invincible Star’s off foreleg lameness which was described as “more significant” after she ran only seventh to Santa Ana Lane in the Premiere Stakes last Saturday.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained mares were inspected by independent Racing NSW veterinarians.

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said English would need a veterinary clearance before she was permitted to race again while Invincible Star will undergo a further examination later this week to assess her suitability to contest the $13 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 13.

This could leave three Everest slots needing to be filled although slot-holders Australian Turf Club is understood to be ready to confirm Godolphin sprinter Home Of The Brave as their runner as early as today.

Viddora, brilliant winner of the Moir Stakes on Friday night, the proven big-race performer Le Romain, crack three-year-old Zousain, Houtzen and even Kementari are now back in the Everest mix.

The alarm bells started ringing about English after she could not pass any of her three rivals in a sprint to the finish.